Search This Blog

Bone Grafting Procedure

Bone Grafting Procedure

Bone grafting is where the jawbone is built up to accommodate a dental implant or other restorative device. Bone grafting is a common procedure that is used frequently for dental implants and other periodontal procedures. Jaw Bone Grafting is the replacement of missing jaw bone with similar material from the patients body in order to preserve that part of the jaw for an implant.  Generally this is done when a tooth has been extracted, or is missing from the mouth.  A missing tooth will often cause the jaw bone in that area to atrophy or be reabsorbed into the mouth.  This leaves the jawbone unsuitable for implants.  The bone used to graft is taken from a sample from the patient. Many times, the bone is taken from another area of the mouth when drilling takes place. The bone fragments are suctioned from the mouth and used for the graft. Cadaver bone fragments are also used. They are harvested by bone banks and are a very safe source for bone donation. Bone grafting fixes this problem by replacing that jawbone with bone from other parts of the body.  This bone helps your jaw regenerate, meaning that the jaw bone will grow over the graft, making the jaw suitable for implants.

Local anesthesia is used to numb the area where the bone will be removed as well as the location where the bone will be augmented. An incision is made in the gums around where the bone will be augmented. This is done so that the doctor can see exactly how much bone will be needed before harvesting it from the patient if an autogenous graft is being performed.

Next, the doctor will make a cut in the gums below the lower front teeth in order to expose the chin bone. Your doctor will then remove a part of the bone along with any bone marrow. This incision is then closed with stitches.

The bone removed from the chin will then be anchored in place to the jaw bone with small titanium screws. The doctor may place a mixture of your bone marrow and some bone grafting material around the bone graft to help speed healing. The incision is then closed with stitches. Your dental implant procedure will not take place until your mouth has healed completely.

After the procedure you will likely be given antibiotics as well as pain medication. You will be asked to follow a restricted diet of soft foods such as pastas, mashed potatoes, and applesauce for a short time following your bone grafting procedure. It will often be about six to nine months following the bone graft before your doctor will be able to perform your dental implant procedure.